Akshaya Patra Articles

Why nutrition matters for learning Good nutrition and good learning go hand in hand. India has made encouraging progress in improving child nutrition, with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) reporting better nutrition indicators compared to previous years. Yet, for many schoolchildren, access to a nutritious meal remains essential. Where thousands of nutritious meals begin their journey every morning A wholesome meal does more than satisfy hunger. It helps children stay attentive in the classroom, improves concentration, encourages regular school attendance and gives them the energy to participate and learn with confidence. When children are nourished, they are better equipped to unlock their potential… one meal, one lesson and one brighter future at a time. Two ways to feed a nation India's school meal programme, now known as PM POSHAN (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme), has grown through a mix of approaches. In many places, individual schools cook their own ...

Feeding millions of children freshly cooked, nutritious mid-day meals every day demands much more than large kitchens. For Akshaya Patra, an NGO in India, the success lies in a systematic approach driven by dedicated team members and the support of the government, corporate partners and individuals who share the organisation’s vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.’ Dedication, innovation and collaboration bring meals to millions Over the years, the NGO has not only addressed classroom hunger but has also contributed to improving school attendance, retention and learning outcomes for children across the country. By ensuring access to nutritious meals, the organisation continues to support children’s educational journey and help build a stronger future for millions. Akshaya Patra’s Meal Delivery System For Akshaya Patra , precision, discipline and consistency are important at every level. As an implementing partner of The Government of India’s PM PO...

Why safe meals matter as much as nutritious meals? The hidden backbone of every meal programme When people think about meal programmes, they often think about nutrition, hunger relief or community impact. What is less visible but equally important is the intricate system that ensures every meal is safe to consume. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Food Safety Overview , contaminated food causes illness in nearly 1 in 10 people globally every year, leading to approximately 420,000 deaths annually. Children under five carry nearly 40% of the foodborne disease burden.ily, the stakes are even higher. In large-scale meal programmes, food safety is a commitment to health, dignity and trust. Why food safety is critical in large-scale meal programmes 1. Protecting vulnerable communities Large-scale meal initiatives often serve: School children Elderly populations Disaster-affected communities Low-income families Hospital patients ...

In India’s school education system, the majority of children are enrolled in government and government-aided schools. Most of them come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds where access to nutritious food every day remains uncertain. Hence, implementing child development programmes in schools can create a significant difference. Understanding this, The Government of India came up with a programme called PM POSHAN (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) that aims to reach every child with nutritious mid-day meals. The programme has shown proven improvement in empowering children to study further, achieve the future they dreamt of and thus advancing the nation. Meals for children today,  Empowered nation tomorrow A Brief Look into the Programme’s Evolution The Chennai Origin The roots of India’s school feeding programmes can be traced back to 1925, when the Madras Municipal Corporation introduced a school meal programme at Thousand Lights in Chennai, initially serv...

 The purpose of NGOs is to make a positive impact on society. Many NGOs dedicated to various social causes work tirelessly to achieve their mission and make a difference. A consistent flow of funds is crucial for them to run their programmes effectively. Let’s look in detail at the importance of fundraising for NGOs. • Implementation of programmes Fundraising is crucial for NGOs to run their programmes. Numerous NGOs in India address causes such as hunger eradication, education, environmental conservation, etc. They conduct various promotional, volunteering and awareness activities to attract people who share similar interests. Through effective fundraising, NGOs can plan and implement their programmes, achieve long-term goals and fulfils their vision. Proper financial backing ensures that these programmes are well-organised, sustainable and make a lasting impact on society. • Creating awareness NGOs require financial support to raise awareness about the significant need to support...

 “For the sake of ten years’ benefit, we must plant trees. For the sake of a hundred years’ benefit, we must cultivate the people,” said the founding father of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. He was clear about the route to development and considered schooling one of the most important stepping stones towards humankind's success. Unlocking a child’s potential with schooling  A child's education is their primary means of gaining knowledge and information. It enables them to learn about a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, arithmetic, politics and more.  When you have more knowledge, you are better equipped to help others. For example, if you have studied mathematics, you can easily and accurately calculate your taxes. Additionally, if you possess a broad range of knowledge, you can actively participate in discussions and attract attention during gatherings. Deciding tomorrow’s path through schooling In India, education in school plays a crucial role in a child's ...

 India stands as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, yet its battle with hunger and malnutrition persists. Despite remarkable progress in various sectors, a significant portion of its population continues to struggle with food. Solving India's hunger problem demands a multi-faceted approach that delves into the root cause. Understanding Malnutrition Malnutrition has many forms, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and over-nutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, vitamin A and iodine, remain prevalent, affecting millions across the country. Paradoxically, over-nutrition is also rising, leading to a surge in obesity and diet-related diseases, further exacerbating the malnutrition crisis. Causes of Malnutrition Several factors contribute to India's malnutrition crisis, including poverty, inadequate access to nutritious food, poor sanitation and hygiene, limited healthcare facilities and cultural practices.  • Calorific deficiency – G...